Saint-Barthélemy, St Barth or St Barts: what is the island's real name?

**Saint-Barthélemy, St Barth or St Barts: what is the island's real name?**

When talking about Saint-Barthélemy, there are almost as many ways to write it as there are beaches on the island. St Barth, St Barths, St Barts, St Bart... These variations sometimes raise a smile, but they also reflect the island's history and international influence.

The official name: Saint-Barthélemy

In French, the island's official name is Saint-Barthélemy, named after the apostle Bartholomew. This is the form used in administrative texts, the French press, and official documents.

French diminutives: St Barth or St Barthélémy

In everyday usage, both residents and French-speaking visitors naturally simplify it to St Barth.

St Barthélémy is also sometimes found, but this intermediate version remains rarer.

English variants: St Barths, St Barts or St Bart

With its international clientele, particularly American, the island has seen other spellings emerge.

St Barths is the most common version in English-language media.

St Barts (without the "h") is even more simplified, widely used in the United States.

St Bart is rarer, but still found on some travel guides or forums.

Why so many versions?

The multiplicity of names reflects the unique blend of cultures in St Barth:

French heritage (the official name and local usage),

English-speaking influence (the simplified variations),

and everyone's desire to claim the name of an island that has become a global reference for luxury and Caribbean lifestyle.

In summary

Whether you call it Saint-Barthélemy, St Barth, St Barths or St Barts, the island remains the same: a Caribbean jewel, both discreet, elegant, and universally recognized. And perhaps this variety of names also reflects what it is: a small island, but with a worldwide reputation.